Paddle switch system

ABSTRACT

A paddle switch system comprises a housing, a paddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, a cover coupled to the housing wherein the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle, and a vibration reduction mechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot member of the paddle. The electrical switch comprises a dome switch and the paddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the dome switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/423,818, filed May 28, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/167,505, filed May 27, 2016, which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 10,347,444 on Jul. 9, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/214,422, filed Mar. 14, 2014, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,376,068 on Jun. 28, 2016, which claims thepriority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/791,824, filed Mar. 15, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention related to electrical switches, and in particularto electrical paddle switches.

BACKGROUND

Paddle switches are used in application such as automotive applicationfor operating electrical components. A typical paddle switch is positionbehind a vehicle steering wheel, and includes an electrical switch thatis operated for closing/opening a circuit. The electrical switch isopened/closed using a pivoting paddle which is operated by a user. Thepaddle switch may be used for controlling electrical circuits for atransmission gear selector, operating a radio, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A paddle switch system comprises a housing, a paddle having a pivotmember pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electricalswitch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, a covercoupled to the housing wherein the housing and the cover partiallyenclose the paddle, and a vibration reduction mechanism disposed in thehousing proximate the pivot member of the paddle.

In one embodiment, the electrical switch comprises a dome switch and thepaddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the dome switch.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a paddle switch system disclosed herein,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the paddle switch system, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a more detailed exploded view of the paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of a cover of the paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of the housing of the paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a top view of a paddle of the paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows a partially exploded view of the paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the partially assembled paddleswitch system, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective cross sectional view of the partiallyassembled paddle switch system, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4D shows another perspective view of the partially assembled paddleswitch system, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of a housing of the paddle switchsystem, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4F shows a sectioned view of the paddle switch system, illustratingpreloading of a keypad switch by a paddle of the paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4G shows a sectioned view of the paddle switch system, illustratingpositioning of a vibration reduction member on a pivoting element of apaddle of the paddle switch system, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a profile view of the assembled paddle switch system.

FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of the paddle switch system with aconnector, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system with theconnector, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the paddle switch system with a clipinserted into the connector, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system with theclip inserted into the connector, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of the clip, according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8B shows another perspective view of the clip, according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an assembled paddle switch system,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system with adoor removed, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system of FIG.10A with a transparent paddle, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10C shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system of FIG.10A with the paddle removed, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11A shows a bottom view of the paddle switch system, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 11B shows a sectioned view of the paddle switch system,illustrating the self spring in contact with the paddle, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a paddle switch system having a tacswitch, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the disclosed embodiments, and is not meant tolimit the disclosed concepts herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

Embodiments of a paddle switch system for operating an electrical switchare disclosed herein. An implementation of the paddle switch systemcomprises a paddle switch for gear selector devices in vehiclescomprising an automatic transmission. Such gear selector devices allowthe driver to select gears or shift gears of the automatic transmission,such as paddle shifting. Embodiments of the paddle switch system areapplicable to other electrical switching use and are not limited topaddle shifting of automatic transmissions.

In one application, the paddle switch system may be mounted in a vehiclesuch as in a steering-column-mounted paddle shifter. In one embodiment,the paddle switch may be mounted to or behind the steering wheel of avehicle to move with the steering wheel. This mounting arrangementallows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all timesand allows for steering-wheel-mounted controls.

In one embodiment, the paddle switch system includes a vibrationreduction mechanism for dampening vibration in the paddle switch system.As a vehicle travels on a surface (e.g., a road for a vehicle or waterfor a boat), vibration due to contact with that surface is mechanicallytransmitted to the steering wheel and to the paddle switch system. Anembodiment of the paddle switch system comprises a vibration reductionmechanism for dampening vibration in the paddle switch system andreducing associated unwanted sounds (such as rattling).

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a paddle switch system 100, disclosedherein. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the paddle switch system 100,and FIG. 2A shows a more detailed exploded view of the paddle switchsystem 100. Generally, left-hand side and right-hand side paddleswitches may be mirror image assemblies of one another comprisingsimilar components. The paddle switch system 100 may be mounted to orbehind the steering wheel and is intended to move with the steeringwheel.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, in one embodiment the paddle switchsystem 100 comprises a housing 112, a printed circuit board (PCB) 111, akeypad 110 comprising a dome switch 120, a stop member 108, a paddle109, a saddle 106, multiple fasteners 105, a rocker 101, a center button102, a cover 104, a door 103, multiple wires 113 which may be wrapped bytape, and a cube bumper 107.

The keypad 110 comprises multiple dome switches for one or morefunctionalities including a dome switch 120 for gear switchingfunctionality, such that when a dome switch is pushed, the correspondingfunctionality is triggered through the conversion of a mechanical input(e.g., a push of the dome switch) to an electrical signal by interfacingwith the PCB 111. The keypad 110 includes other dome switches such as120A, 120B for radio controls, according to one embodiment. In oneembodiment, switches 120A and 120B for radio controls, can be similar toswitch 120. In one embodiment, other switch domes 120A and 120B of thekeypad for radio controls may comprise metal domes.

The interface for triggering the corresponding functionality include,but are not limited to, a pinout 121 connecting from the PCB 111 to themultiple wires 113 for propagating an electronic signal to an onboardinterface elsewhere on the vehicle. A power source powering the system100 comprises an onboard vehicle battery, etc.

The combination of the housing 112, the cover 104, and the door 103provide a housing that encapsulates a portion of the paddle 109 as wellas most of the components and circuitry necessary for implementing theembodiment.

In one embodiment, the system 100 may also comprise audio controlsincluding the rocker 101, the center button 102, and the keypad 110 thatmay be used to toggle audio functions, such as volume control, trackcontrol, audio source, etc., via dome switches on the keypad 110.

However, it is understood that the system 100 need not include saidaudio controls in order to implement the present invention and that thesystem 100 alternatively can have audio only as well.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of the cover 104 to be used in the system 100shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. The cover 104 comprises anessentially semicircular frame that is removably secured onto thehousing 112 via fasteners 105 (FIG. 2), and the housing 112 comprisesmultiple openings for receiving the paddle 109, the rocker 101, thekeypad 110, the PCB 111, the center button 102, and the door 103thereon. In one embodiment, the cover 104 comprises one or more holes104A for receiving fasteners 105 to secure the cover 104 to the housing112.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of the housing 112 to be used in the system 100shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, thehousing 112 comprises an essentially semicircular frame, wherein a baseof the housing 112 includes a plurality of aligned holes and/or notchesfor maintaining the PCB 111 and for seating the keypad 110 thereon.

The housing 112 also comprises openings for receiving the multiple wires113 for propagating the electrical signals received from the PCB 111 fortriggering a desired functionality. In one embodiment, the housing 112comprises a cavity 112D for receiving a stop member 108. In oneembodiment, the stop member 108 comprises a top surface 108A (FIG. 4A),and is disposed in the cavity 112D within the housing 112 such that thestop member 108 is oriented adjacent to a housing wall 112C, essentiallyparallel to the axis P shown in FIG. 3B. In one embodiment, the stopmember 108 comprises a rubber bumper.

It is understood that a separate stop member 108 is not necessary inorder to implement embodiments of the present invention. As such, in oneembodiment the stop member 108 comprises a solid plastic wall built intothe housing 112 (e.g., FIG. 4F), in which case the cavity 112D is notpresent. For example, the stop member 108 comprising the top surface108A may be substituted with a similar structure that is directlyintegrated with the housing 112 as one piece and as a solid wall, suchas wall 108D shown in FIGS. 4E-4F described further below. In anotherembodiment, the stop member 108 may comprise a spring, etc.

The housing 112 further comprises one or more dampening posts 112Psubstantially aligned with the axis P for receiving a spring or metalclip thereon to support and provide additional dampening to the paddle109.

FIG. 3C shows a top view of the paddle 109 to be used in system 100shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. The paddle 109 may be onepiece for mounting onto the housing 112. The paddle 109 comprises asubstantially L-shaped paddle portion 109A for receiving user input(e.g., push/pull on the paddle portion 109A) for gear selection for anautomatic vehicle transmission. Such input comprises input via use of adriver's fingers imparting a force onto the substantially L-shapedpaddle portion 109A away toward the driver during operation of thevehicle.

The paddle 109 further comprises a pivot member 109B, a shaft 109C, adepressor 109D, a member 109E, a support 109F, and a lever 109G. Thepivot member 109B, the shaft 109C, the depressor 109D, the member 109E,and the support 109F of the paddle 109 are essentially coplanar with oneanother. The pivot member 109B and the shaft 109C comprise essentiallycircular cross-sections. The pivot member 109B and the shaft 109C arecoaxially disposed on an axis P, and allow for the paddle 109 to freelyrotate about the axis P on the housing 112.

The pivot member 109B essentially acts as a fulcrum about which thepaddle 109 pivots in the housing in response to a force on the paddle.The pivot member 109B and the support 109F connect the L-shaped paddleportion 109A to the member 109E and the depressor 109D, wherein thepivot member 109B and the support 109F provide overall structuralrigidity to the paddle 109.

When the lever 109G of the paddle 109 rests directly on the top surface108A of the stop member 108, the depressor 109D simultaneously lightlyrests upon or slightly depresses upon the dome switch 120 of the keypad110, without fully depressing to close the switch 120. This provides apreloading condition for vibration reduction normally caused by paddle109G in contact with the housing. A starting or original position of thepaddle 109 in the operation of the system 100 comprises said preloadedcondition for the paddle 109.

FIGS. 4A-4D show perspective views of the partially assembled system100, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a side profile view ofthe assembled system 100, according to one embodiment.

Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a partially exploded view of the system 100,according to one embodiment, to clarify the assembly of componentsrelating to the paddle 109. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of thepartially assembled system 100, according to one embodiment, omittingthe paddle 109, the cover 104, the rocker 101, the center button 102,and the door 103 for clarity purposes.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective cross sectional view of the partiallyassembled system 100 as shown in FIG. 4B, according to one embodiment,omitting the paddle 109, the cover 104, the rocker 101, the centerbutton 102, and the door 103 for clarity purposes.

FIG. 4D shows another perspective view of the partially assembled system100 including the paddle 109, according to one embodiment, omitting thecover 104, the rocker 101, the center button 102, and the door 103 forclarity purposes.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the system 100 comprises the PCB 111 and thekeypad 110 disposed on the base of the housing 112. The housing 112comprises a semicircular cutout 112A and a circular cutout 112B (FIG.4B), wherein the semicircular cutout 112A receives the pivot member 109Bof the paddle 109 and the circular cutout 112B receives the shaft 109C.

Once the system 100 is assembled, the shaft 109C rotatably protrudes outof the housing 112 through the circular cutout 112B, the pivot member109B rests on the semicircular cutout 112A, and the depressor 109D, anelement 109E, and a portion of the support 109F positioned within theconfines of the housing 112. FIG. 4G shows a cross-section A-A of thesystem 100, wherein the pivot member 109B is maintained by the cutout112A of the housing 112 and the arch 106C of the saddle 106, wherein thebumper 107 is positioned between the saddle 106 and the pivot member109B.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the partially assembled system100, according to one embodiment, omitting the paddle 109, the cover104, the rocker 101, the center button 102, and the door 103 for claritypurposes. The saddle 106 includes a cube-shaped cavity (not shown) forreceiving the cube bumper 107. The saddle 106 further comprises aninside leg 106A, an outside leg 106B, and an arch 106C locatedtherebetween as shown in FIG. 4C.

The cube bumper 107 may comprise elastomeric material. In oneembodiment, the range of the elastomeric durometer of the cube bumper107 is from about 35 to about 80. In one embodiment, the cube bumper 107has an example edge dimension of about 0.125 inches. In order for thepaddle switch to work in this durometer range, the cube bumper edgedimensions can be adjusted to overcome variations in dimensionalstack-ups.

In instances when the system 100 experiences vibrations, the housing 112and the cover 104 transmit the vibrations to the paddle 109 and thesaddle 106 comprising the cube bumper 107 thereunder. The cube bumper107 dampens and essentially acts as a buffer between the saddle 106 andthe paddle 109, and thereby, the cube bumper 107 reduces the amount ofvibrations transmitted to the paddle 109.

In instances when the paddle 109 in the system 100 is loosely seated inthe system 100, the cube bumper 107 similarly reduces the range ofmovement of the loosely seated paddle 109, and thereby, the cube bumper107 reduces the noise from a loose paddle 109.

It is understood that the cube bumper 107 need not be in the shape of acube in order to implement the present invention. In other embodiments,the cube bumper 107 comprises various shapes and sizes, including asphere, a rectangular prism, a triangular prism, a triangular pyramid,and the like. The elastomeric durometer range for said various shapesmay vary from shape to shape and may need to be adjusted from size tosize.

The circular cutout 112B and the combination of the semicircular cutout112A and the arch 106C are generally coaxially aligned along the axis P.Once the paddle 109 is seated on the housing 112, the cube bumper 107 isseated on top of the pivot member 109B of the paddle 109 and under thesaddle 106.

The paddle 109 is thereby rotatably secured to the housing 112 by way ofthe saddle 106 and the cube bumper 107, whereby the paddle 109 canrotate freely about the axis P on the pivot member 109B. The support109F moves freely within an opening in the housing 112 about the axis Pin movement coplanar with the rest of the paddle 109.

It is understood that the received cube bumper 107 need not solely beseated on top of the pivot member 109B of the paddle 109 and under thesaddle 106 in order to implement the present invention. For example inother embodiments, the cube bumper 107 may be seated below the pivotmember 109B of the paddle 109 and on top of a similar structure to thesemicircular cutout 112A of the housing 112 (or directly integrated withthe housing 112 in one piece) that receives the cube bumper 107 via acube-shaped cavity (not shown). In other embodiments, multiple cubebumpers 107 may be used to implement a permutation of the aforementionedembodiments.

Depressor 109D is preloaded on the dome 120 of the keypad and controlsthe amount of preloading from depressor 109D on the dome of the keypadswitch 120. In one embodiment, the switch 120 comprises a conductiverubber pill domes (e.g., rubber keypad with conductive pill).

The pivot member 109B is positioned in between the lever 109G and thedepressor 109D, such that when the depressor 109D pivots down, the lever109G pivots up, and vice versa. The lever 109G on one end of the paddle109 is in contact with the stop member 108, while the depressor tab 109Don an opposing end of the paddle 109 is in contact with the dome 120. Inone operation scenario, the stop member 108 is positioned such that thelever 109G is urged against the stop member 108, causing depressor tab109D to adequately preload the dome switch 120 and maintain the domeswitch 120 with sufficient preloading to provide desired tactile feelfor closing the dome switch 120, while preventing rattling of paddle 120in the housing 112. This provides balance between lever 109G anddepressor 109D on either side of the pivot member 109B, and overallbalance for the paddle portion 109A.

The combination of keypad dome 120, stop member 108, saddle 106, andbumper 107, stabilize and overcome inertia generated by weight of thepaddle 109 when subjected to vibration.

The bumper 107 prevents buzz, shake, rattle (BSR) from the paddle 109due to vibration when the paddle switch system 100 is installed in avehicle. The placement and shape of stop member 108 allows preloadingthe keypad dome 120 with the paddle lever 109G.

FIG. 4C shows a cross sectional view of the partially assembled system100 as shown in FIG. 4B, according to one embodiment, omitting thepaddle 109, the cover 104, the rocker 101, the center button 102, andthe door 103 for clarity purposes.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the axis P protrudes out of the page. Once thecover 104 is placed onto the housing 112 and the saddle 106 has beensecured to the housing 112 by way of fasteners 105, the inside leg 106Aof the saddle 106 is in contact with the housing 112 and the outside leg106B is not in contact with the housing 112. A fastener 105 secures theoutside leg 106B through the hole 104A of the cover 104 (not shown inFIG. 4C) to the housing 112.

FIG. 4D shows another perspective view of the partially assembled system100 including the paddle 109, according to one embodiment, omitting thecover 104, the rocker 101, the center button 102, and the door 103 forclarity purposes. Once the system 100 is assembled, a driver desiring tochange gear selection for an automatic vehicle transmission may impartan initial upward force Fi on the L-shaped paddle portion 109A.

Imparting the initial upward force Fi away from the wires 113 (e.g.,toward the driver) onto the L-shaped paddle portion 109A causes a momentM about the axis P (e.g., toward the driver) and rotates the paddle 109slightly away from the wires 113 (e.g., toward the driver).

The moment M about the axis P imparted on the L-shaped paddle portion109A translates to a twisting motion to the member 109E and thedepressor 109D, causing the depressor 109D to impart a final downwardforce Ff toward the wires 113 and depress the dome switch 120 of thekeypad 110 for gear selection for an automatic vehicle transmission.

When the L-shaped paddle portion 109A is depressed, the depressor 109Dof the paddle 109 is urged against the dome switch 120, to close theswitch. When the L-shaped paddle portion 109A is released, a springaction of the dome switch 120 returns the switch 120 to a normalposition which places the paddle back in the original position.

In another embodiment, the keypad 110 may comprise a spring (not shown),and upon depressing the dome switch 120 of the keypad 110, the springimparts a recoiling force back to the depressor 109D and resets thepaddle 109 in the original position.

After receiving the final downward force Ff on the dome switch 120 ofthe keypad 110, the PCB 111 converts the mechanical signal to anelectrical signal for transmitting through the one or more wires 113 orother means of connection.

FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of the housing 112 in anotherembodiment. FIG. 4F shows a sectioned view of the assembled paddleswitch system 100, illustrating preloading of the keypad switch 120,according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 4E-4F, in oneembodiment the housing 112 comprises said wall 108D, wherein as shown inthe cross-section A-A of system 100 in FIG. 4F, the lever 109G comes incontact with (rests) on the wall 108D such as when the paddle 109 is notpushed/pulled by a user.

FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of the paddle switch system 100 with aconnector 600, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system 100 withthe connector 600, according to another embodiment. The connector 600may include a connector housing 602. The connector 600 may also includeone or more connector pins 604 disposed in the connector housing 602.

FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the paddle switch system 100 with a clip700 inserted into the connector 600, according to another embodiment.The clip 700 may receive multiple wires for propagating an electronicsignal from the paddle switch system 100 to an onboard interfaceelsewhere on the vehicle. The clip 700 may be detachably attached to thehousing of the connector 600, such as via a snap-fit.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system 100 withthe clip 700 inserted into the connector 600, according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of the clip 700, according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8B shows another perspective view of the clip 700, according toanother embodiment. The clip may include a first plurality of wireconnectors 702 and a second plurality of wire connectors 704. The firstplurality of wire connectors 702 may be disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the second plurality of wire connectors 704. The firstplurality of wire connectors 702 and/or the second plurality of wireconnectors 704 may be electrically connected to the one or moreconnector pins of the connector, as shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an assembled paddle switch system100, according to another embodiment. In one embodiment the paddleswitch system 100 comprises a rocker 101, a center button 102, a door103, a cover 104, a paddle 109, and multiple wires 113 which may bewrapped by tape. The combination of the the cover 104 and the door 103may provide a housing that encapsulates a portion of the paddle 109 aswell as most of the components and circuitry necessary for implementingthe embodiment.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system 100 with adoor (103, FIG. 9) removed, according to another embodiment. The paddle109 comprises a substantially L-shaped paddle portion for receiving userinput (e.g., push/pull on the paddle portion), which may be used forgear selection for an automatic vehicle transmission. Such inputcomprises input via use of a driver's fingers imparting a force onto thesubstantially L-shaped paddle portion away and/or toward the driverduring operation of the vehicle. The housing 112, the cover 104, and thedoor (103, FIG. 9) provide a housing that encapsulates a portion of thepaddle 109 as well as most of the components and circuitry necessary forimplementing the embodiment. The cover 104 comprises an essentiallysemicircular frame that is removably secured onto the housing 112 viafasteners. The housing 112 comprises multiple openings for receiving thepaddle 109. In instances when the system 100 experiences vibrations, thehousing 112 and the cover 104 transmit the vibrations to the paddle 109.

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system 100 ofFIG. 10A with a transparent paddle 109, according to another embodiment.A self spring 1000 may be in contact with a portion of the paddle 109.The self-spring may minimize, reduce, or stop vibrations and/or a noiseof the paddle 109. The self spring 1000 may dampen vibration in thepaddle switch system 100 and reducing associated unwanted sounds (suchas rattling). The self spring 1000 may prevent buzz, shake, rattle (BSR)from the paddle 109 due to vibration when the paddle switch system 100is installed in a vehicle.

FIG. 10C shows a perspective view of the paddle switch system 100 ofFIG. 10A with the paddle removed, according to another embodiment. Theself spring 1000 may be built into a bottom portion of the housing 112.In one embodiment, the self spring 1000 may be formed via a cut-out 1002or channel in a portion of the housing 112. In one embodiment, thecut-out may be substantially U-shaped. The cut-out 1002 may provideresilience to the self spring 1000. As the paddle (109, FIG. 10B)presses against a protrusion 1004 of the self spring 1000, the selfspring may bend with the movement of the paddle and return to theoriginal position of the self spring 1000. The protrusion 1004 may bedisposed toward the paddle position inside the housing 112. The shapeand dimensions of the protrusion may be based on the dimensions of thepaddle. The housing 112 may be made from a resilient material so as toprovide a springing effect from the self spring 1000. In otherembodiments, a portion of the housing 112 may be removed and a selfspring 1000 may be inserted into this removed portion so as to providecontact with the paddle and reducing associated unwanted sounds (such asrattling).

FIG. 11A shows a bottom view of the paddle switch system 100, accordingto another embodiment. The self spring 1000 may be made from a portionof the housing 112 in some embodiments.

FIG. 11B shows a sectioned view of the paddle switch system 100,illustrating the self spring in contact with the paddle, according toanother embodiment. FIG. 11B shows a cross section of the paddle switchsystem 100 of FIG. 11A about line A-A. The protrusion 1004 of the selfspring 1000 is in contact with the paddle 109 to reduce associatedunwanted sounds (such as rattling). The resilient nature of the selfspring 1000 may allow the self spring 1000 to maintain contact with thepaddle 109 while vibrations are imparted to the paddle switch system,such as when mounted in a vehicle being driven, and/or when the paddle109 is interacted with by a user.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a paddle switch system 100 having atac switch 1200, according to another embodiment. The system 100 mayinclude one or more tac switches 1200 for one or more functionalities.In some embodiments, the tac switch 1200 may be used for gear switchingfunctionality. In some embodiments, when the tac switch 1200 is pushed,the corresponding functionality may be triggered through the conversionof a mechanical input (e.g., a push of the dome switch) to an electricalsignal by interfacing with a PCB. In some embodiments, the tac switch1200 may be used for radio controls. When the L-shaped paddle portion ofthe paddle 109 is depressed, the depressor of the paddle 109 is urgedagainst the tac switch 120, to close the tac switch 120. When theL-shaped paddle portion of the paddle 109 is released, a spring actionof the tac switch 120 may returns the tac switch 120 to a normalposition which places the paddle 109 back in the original position.

In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth.However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. For example, well-knownequivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of thosedescribed herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may besubstituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In otherinstances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown indetail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,”“one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiments.

If the specification states a component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particularcomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to beincluded. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element,that does not mean there is only one of the element. If thespecification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does notpreclude there being more than one of the additional element.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A paddle switch system, comprising: a housing; apaddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing foroperating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a forceon the paddle, wherein the pivot member is disposed on an axis relativeto the housing, wherein the paddle is configured to pivot about the axisof the pivot member relative to the housing in response to a force on apaddle portion of the paddle, and wherein the paddle portion of thepaddle extends from the pivot member and is external to the housing; aself spring formed via a cut-out of a bottom portion of the housing,wherein the portion of the housing forming the self spring is resilient,wherein the portion of the housing forming the self-spring is in contactwith a portion of the paddle disposed within the housing, wherein theportion of the housing forming the self spring bends with movement ofthe paddle, and wherein the portion of the housing forming the selfspring returns the paddle to an original position; a cover coupled tothe housing, wherein the housing and the cover partially enclose thepaddle; an arcuate saddle portion and an arcuate opening in the housingproximate the arcuate saddle portion, such that pivot member ispivotably maintained between the arcuate saddle portion and the arcuateopening; a circuit board disposed in the housing; a dome switch, whereinthe paddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the domeswitch; a lever and a depressor of the paddle, wherein the pivot memberis disposed between the level and the depressor, wherein the lever isurged by a stop member such that the depressor partially preloads thedome switch; and at least one dampening post disposed in the housing,wherein the dampening post comprises an elongated member that is coupledto an opening in the housing; wherein the cover comprises an essentiallyarcuate frame; and wherein the housing comprises an essentially arcuateframe, such that the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle.2. The paddle switch system of claim 1, wherein the self spring preventsbuzz, shake, and rattle (BSR) from the paddle due to vibration externalto the paddle switch system.
 3. The paddle switch system of claim 1,wherein the self spring further comprises a protrusion disposed towardthe paddle inside the housing, wherein the protrusion of the self springis in contact with the paddle.
 4. The paddle switch system of claim 1,further comprising: a connector disposed on the housing; and a clipconfigured to receive multiple wires for propagating an electric signalfrom the paddle switch system, wherein the clip is configured todetachably attach to the connector.
 5. The paddle switch system of claim1, further comprising: a tac switch disposed in the housing, wherein thetac switch is closed when the paddle is depressed, and wherein the tacswitch is returned to a normal position when the paddle is released. 6.A paddle switch system, comprising: a housing; a paddle having a pivotmember pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electricalswitch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, whereinthe pivot member is disposed on an axis relative to the housing, whereinthe paddle is configured to pivot about the axis of the pivot memberrelative to the housing in response to a force on a paddle portion ofthe paddle, and wherein the paddle portion of the paddle extends fromthe pivot portion and is external to the housing; a self spring formedvia a cut-out of a bottom portion of the housing, wherein the portion ofthe housing forming the self spring is resilient, wherein the portion ofthe housing forming the self-spring is in contact with a portion of thepaddle disposed within the housing, wherein the portion of the housingforming the self spring bends with movement of the paddle, and whereinthe portion of the housing forming the self spring returns the paddle toan original position; a cover coupled to the housing, wherein thehousing and the cover partially enclose the paddle; and an arcuatesaddle portion and an arcuate opening in the housing proximate thearcuate saddle portion, such that pivot member is pivotably maintainedbetween the arcuate saddle portion and the arcuate opening; wherein thepaddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the electricalswitch.
 7. The paddle switch system of claim 6, wherein the self springprevents buzz, shake, and rattle (BSR) from the paddle due to vibrationexternal to the paddle switch system.
 8. The paddle switch system ofclaim 6, wherein the self spring further comprises a protrusion disposedtoward the paddle inside the housing, wherein the protrusion of the selfspring is in contact with the paddle.
 9. The paddle switch system ofclaim 6, further comprising: a connector disposed on the housing; and aclip configured to receive multiple wires for propagating an electricsignal from the paddle switch system, wherein the clip is configured todetachably attach to the connector.
 10. The paddle switch system ofclaim 6, further comprising: a tac switch disposed in the housing,wherein the tac switch is closed when the paddle is depressed, andwherein the tac switch is returned to a normal position when the paddleis released.
 11. The paddle switch system of claim 6, furthercomprising: a circuit board disposed in the housing; a lever and adepressor of the paddle, wherein the pivot member is disposed betweenthe level and the depressor, wherein the lever is urged by a stop membersuch that the depressor partially preloads the dome switch; a vibrationreduction mechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot memberof the paddle; at least one dampening post disposed in the housing,dampening post comprises an elongated member that is coupled to anopening in the housing, wherein said at least one dampening postcomprises an elongated member having a first end coupled to an openingin the housing, and a second free end; wherein the cover comprises anessentially arcuate frame; and wherein the housing comprises anessentially arcuate frame, such that the housing and the cover partiallyenclose the paddle.
 12. A paddle switch system, comprising: a housing; apaddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing foroperating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a forceon the paddle, wherein the pivot member is disposed on an axis relativeto the housing, wherein the paddle is configured to pivot about the axisof the pivot member relative to the housing in response to a force on apaddle portion of the paddle, and wherein the paddle portion of thepaddle extends from the pivot portion and is external to the housing; aself spring formed via a cut-out of a portion of the housing, whereinthe portion of the housing forming the self spring is resilient, whereinthe portion of the housing forming the self-spring is in contact withthe paddle, wherein the portion of the housing forming the self springbends with movement of the paddle, and wherein the portion of thehousing forming the self spring returns the paddle to an originalposition; a cover coupled to the housing, wherein the housing and thecover partially enclose the paddle; an arcuate saddle portion and anarcuate opening in the housing proximate the arcuate saddle portion,such that pivot member is pivotably maintained between the arcuatesaddle portion and the arcuate opening; a lever and a depressor of thepaddle, wherein the pivot member is disposed between the level and thedepressor, wherein the lever is urged by a stop member such that thedepressor partially preloads the dome switch; and a vibration reductionmechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot member of thepaddle; wherein the paddle is disposed in the housing to partiallypreload an electrical switch; wherein the cover comprises an essentiallyarcuate frame; and wherein the housing comprises an essentially arcuateframe, such that the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle.13. The paddle switch system of claim 12, wherein the self springprevents buzz, shake, and rattle (BSR) from the paddle due to vibrationexternal to the paddle switch system.
 14. The paddle switch system ofclaim 12, wherein the self spring further comprises a protrusiondisposed toward the paddle inside the housing, wherein the protrusion ofthe self spring is in contact with the paddle.
 15. The paddle switchsystem of claim 12, further comprising: a connector disposed on thehousing; and a clip configured to receive multiple wires for propagatingan electric signal from the paddle switch system, wherein the clip isconfigured to detachably attach to the connector.
 16. The paddle switchsystem of claim 12, further comprising: a tac switch disposed in thehousing, wherein the tac switch is closed when the paddle is depressed,and wherein the tac switch is returned to a normal position when thepaddle is released.
 17. The paddle switch system of claim 12, furthercomprising: at least one dampening post disposed in the housing, saiddampening post comprising an elongated member that is coupled to anopening in the housing, wherein said at least one dampening postcomprises an elongated member having a first end coupled to an openingin the housing, and a second free end.